Friday, December 30, 2011

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

So these numbers were a little discouraging at first, but the hard part about the LONG wait is that this happens, and I know in the end, God's plan is better... I figured the numbers might stay the same since there had been no referrals lately, but our boy and sibling number went up.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

It's special because it is National Orphan Awareness Month, and it's something I am pretty passionate about and we all should be passionate about. :)

I would like to share with you a glimpse into what I believe to be God’s heart for the orphan. Let’s start with a reading from Matthew.

Matthew 25: 31-40

31 “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy[a] angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. 33 And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ 37 “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ 40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’

“Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to ME…”

Wow, Scripture is certainly a truth that is undeniable isn’t it?

In example, let me give you a statistic on the orphan and then apply it to the number of children just in my church family.

Every 2.2 seconds a child becomes an orphan.

In my church there are around 130 children from the ages of 0-18. So if every 2.2 seconds a child becomes an orphan that means in 4.77 minutes every single one of these children is now orphaned. In just four short minutes, they have lost their families, their home, most are starving, and they are on there own. These children, mine included, are now trying to survive by living in the streets. They are fighting just to live. It is so dangerous for them to sleep at night that they try to find safe places during the day so they can sleep for maybe 20 minutes. But let’s say maybe they are some fortunate enough to be placed in an orphanage that is extremely understaffed. So maybe now they have shelter and some food, but they spend there days confined to a crib, only to be touched when they need fed or changed. Picture a baby crying for someone to hold them and no one does so they begin to bang their heads against the crib just so they can feel something. Are you picturing your child there? It’s not hard for me to picture because my children have been there.

Every orphan represents misfortune, heartbreak, and tragedy. Can you imagine such brokeness at such young ages?? Can you imagine having death in your face every second of everyday, and then to face that without knowing about the love of our Jesus, without knowing what hope in him means for you and your life?

I know when many see our family they think adoption, and a lot of you know we are extremely passionate about adoption. I want to stress to you that we do not feel every Christian is called to adopt, but we know that every Christian is called to do something for the orphan to advocate for them and their families.

Russell Moore wrote an article called “Don’t Adopt!” Now don’t be fooled this article is not saying no one should adopt, but he his pointing out the difficulties in adopting. He quotes one of my favorite verses from James 1 verse 27 which states:Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Mr. Moore also says this: Adoption is about taking on risk as cross-bearing love. Every orphan, every adoption comes wrapped up with some kind of hurt and it takes a sacrificial love like none other to adopt them into your family and give them love. Adoption changes your life plan and it is so worth it. Loving the orphan and helping provide for their needs will do the same thing for you, if adoption is not on your heart.

The adoption of my children is only a small glimpse into how it is for us Christians who are adopted by God into his family. We fail all the time and he takes us back every time.

My family has listened to what God purposed our family to do and we know he is asking for more from us. We have battled and continue to battle the spiritual warfare that comes along with adopting and caring for the orphan and we refuse to let Satan win. We have seen the faces of children suffering, and we have cared for the two the Lord planned for our family and we are working fervently for the others he has put on our hearts.

So I ask you today to open your heart to the orphans that are living without love and in fear every single day until they die.

You can’t be the hands and feet of Jesus unless you are right in there doing something and there are so many ways to do something.

If you are doing nothing I ask that you evaluate your silence.

Get on your knees and seek the Lord and his plans for you and the orphan.

Get involved in missions that you are able to and more importantly get your family involved. If the Lord has put it on your heart to adopt, then do it! You will be immeasurably blessed beyond anything you could ever imagine.

Lastly, if you don’t remember any of what I have written today I ask that you at least ask yourself this. Have I said YES to God and his plans for me and the orphan? Then get on your knees and ask God to reveal his plans for you, and His answer will change your life and more importantly bring Glory to

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

My sweet friend Linny posted today from Uganda(She has been there 7 WEEKS fighting to bring her love's home, and she is like me that is hard to be away from home when you have other kiddos who need you..)and you need to please take a few minutes and read THIS. Just click on THIS. Please.

I was feeling a little defeated and read this and it just turned the fire in me right back up. Time is a wasting away folks and children are SUFFERING.

So if you didn't catch it please click HERE. It seriously makes me want to take a match to all the rears I come across and help light the fire in them... OK not literally, but you get what I mean.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Good movement for only being on the list a few weeks! The courts have officially opened back up after the closing for the rainy season...so now we can pray for God to move huge mountains and speed up the process! :)

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Most of you know that we were able to bring our daughter home from Guatemala a month before the country closed its doors to adoption in order to conform to the Hague Treaty...a treaty that the Guatemalan Government was not set up to support AT ALL.

Throughout the months of waiting to bring EJ home we knew that the country was on the verge of what happened in December of 2007 and we knew there was a great possibility that we would not bring our daughter home....

Our hearts still have hope to go back someday and adopt and even to serve.

This video lays out the truth and the impact of what is now happening to this beautiful countries children. I can't even explain what this does to my heart...the sadness the anger...but our hope is in the Lord. Please pray for Guatemala and it's children.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Here our our numbers and these are for September, so probably very soon I will have updated numbers for October. A little note about the wait list with our agency. It is one big list divided into 3 sections. There is no age separation and families can be on more than one wait list and there are multiple families on the wait list. So in all actuality these numbers are smaller than they appear. We are on the boy, girl, and sibling list (twins) for an infant aged 0-12 months at time of referral.

Now we were told to be prepared for a wait of up to 18 months for a referral, but we will be praying it is way less and for our God to move mountains he can only move. Will you please pray for peace for us as we wait for our new little one(s)?

Number for Girl= 134Number for Boy= 104Number for Twins (either sex or both)= 48

Monday, September 26, 2011

**9/26/11** There is still time to order items if you would like. I will not be putting my order in until later this week so please let me know if you would like anything. Thank You and God Bless!I am adding a couple items to my fundraiser and also putting a deadline for orders. Please note below that the color has changed on the boy tees.

Please e-mail me with orders by Monday, September 26. After I place the order I will e-mail you with your total and make payment arrangements.

**Also, if you have never seen the magazine necklaces they truly are beautiful and all so unique. The one I have I have worn with so many different outfits and I love it. I hope to order some bulk in these.**

**ALSO, Our fingerprint appt's are on the 23rd! One step closer!**

(Start of old post with added changes above.)

I know, I know...Summer is barely over, BUT we are, as you all know, fundraising for our next treasure and 147 has been coming out with some great new product for families like us. Right now for this first leg of our adoption we currently need $7,000.00.... $5,500 of that will be due as soon as we receive our appt. date, and have our fingerprints taken.

With each purchase you not only help our family get one $ closer to our newest addition, but you are also helping provide food, water, and medicine to one child.

AND for the month of August and September 147 is donating proceeds for a well for a village of children who currently walk 2 hours everyday for clean water. Can you imagine? You can find more details on that HERE.

So have you considered giving Christmas gifts that would help with the orphan crisis? Well here is your chance!

Added Items are Hats! These are so cool and were just added for fundraising.Hats come in Chocolate or Gray and are $17.

I LOVE this new shirt from 147...it says it all!

Back of Shirt

Front of Shirt- (If you can't read it..the verse is James 1:27)

I have one of their baseball tees and it is truly one of the most comfortable shirts I have ever worn. I purchased it through this wonderful family when they were raising funds, and if you go to their blog you can see their handsome Titus whom they just brought home!

Sizes are XS, S, M, L, XL$35.00

Another Baseball Tee Option, Same Sizes, Same $

Front

Back

Unisex T-Shirt-Navy

Front (Back says FEED 1)

Sizes XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL$20.00

YOUTH TEES **NOTE** They changed the color on the boys Tee and I have a new picture.

Grey/blue-

Grey/Raspberry

This is really cute layered with a long sleeve white tee for when it gets colder.

SizesXS (2-4)S (6-8)M (10-12)L (12-14)XL (14-16)

$15

Necklaces- $20

I can still get necklaces and these are so beautiful and unique..really they are. They make great gifts as well. I wear mine as a bracelet all the time, and it matches a lot of my clothes for work.

Please leave a comment or e-mail me (carriestamm@gmail.com) with questions or an order. Please also help me spread the word. God Bless and Thank You!

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

I know, I know...Summer is barely over, BUT we are, as you all know, fundraising for our next treasure and 147 has been coming out with some great new product for families like us. Right now for this first leg of our adoption we currently need $7,000.00.... $5,500 of that will be due as soon as we receive our appt. date, and have our fingerprints taken.

With each purchase you not only help our family get one $ closer to our newest addition, but you are also helping provide food, water, and medicine to one child.

AND for the month of August and September 147 is donating proceeds for a well for a village of children who currently walk 2 hours everyday for clean water. Can you imagine? You can find more details on that HERE.

So have you considered giving Christmas gifts that would help with the orphan crisis? Well here is your chance!

I LOVE this new shirt from 147...it says it all!

Back of Shirt

Front of Shirt- (If you can't read it..the verse is James 1:27)

I have one of their baseball tees and it is truly one of the most comfortable shirts I have ever worn. I purchased it through this wonderful family when they were raising funds, and if you go to their blog you can see their handsome Titus whom they just brought home!

Sizes are XS, S, M, L, XL
$35.00

Another Baseball Tee Option, Same Sizes, Same $

Front

Back

Unisex T-Shirt-Navy

Front (Back says FEED 1)

Sizes XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL
$20.00

YOUTH TEES

Grey/Charcoal-

Grey/Raspberry

This is really cute layered with a long sleeve white tee for when it gets colder.

Sizes
XS (2-4)
S (6-8)
M (10-12)
L (12-14)
XL (14-16)

$15

Necklaces- $20

I can still get necklaces and these are so beautiful and unique..really they are. They make great gifts as well. I wear mine as a bracelet all the time, and it matches a lot of my clothes for work.

Please leave a comment or e-mail me (carriestamm@gmail.com) with questions or an order. Please also help me spread the word. God Bless and Thank You!

Friday, August 19, 2011

What are you passionate about? Are you passionate about the things in the Bible that God commands us to care about, or are you passionate about the things in your world, your selfish wants and desires?

James 1:22

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. King James Version

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. NIV

James 1:27

Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. King James Version

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. NIV

We received all of our stuff back from USCIS because our check was wrong...can't believe I did that! Very disheartening...so ready to just be on the very long wait list. So, as my husband said, there must be a reason and we are waiting a little longer.

Thursday, August 4, 2011

It is hard to describe how much this one day of a rummage sale consumed my every spare minute for a long time, but it did, and it was worth it for sure.

Kent and I were overwhelmed by the amount of donated items we received. If I would have known we were going to receive that much I would have held the sale over two days. We just feel so blessed by all of it.

We were able to sell A LOT, and both families fared well. I have quite a bit left that I will be sticking in our driveway someday, but for now I just want to say a huge THANKS!

Thanks to those who donated items, thanks to those who came out and bought, and thanks to those who worked extremely hard the day we were setting up, the day of the sale, and then the day we tore down. It meant the world to us to have you there and we owe you. Everyone who took part in our sale through whatever form and even just in prayer... we are just so very grateful and you are in our prayers.

Here are a couple pics of the "stuff" and this isn't even all of it, but I didn't have much time to take more pics. The rummage sale was definitely worth the time especially since it gets us that much closer to our babies!

** Update on where we are at in our process**Our homestudy was approved on August 1! So once we receive the originals we will be mailing our I600A off to the USCIS for our fingerprint appointment. Once we have our fingerprints completed we can finally get on the waiting list. I am so excited about getting on the list because it is sooo long. So prayers for God to move mountains with this next step and that the wait is not as long as predicted too!

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Our HUGE rummage sale/silent auction is this Saturday at Kent and I’s church from 8-3p.m. with the silent auction lasting until Sunday.We have been exceedingly blessed with a ton of items for this sale. You name it we probably have it.

Baby Clothes up to Adult clothes, other baby items, toys, bikes, exercise equipment, decorative items of many many different venues, Christmas Items, Kitchen Items, even snow ski’s! I can’t even wrap my mind around everything right now to list it. Please come see us at our sale, and hear about our heart for the orphan.

Then there are the silent auction items too, but you will have to come to see what they are. :)

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

I feel like sometimes I say the same things over and over again but maybe in a slightly different way, but I just think I will continue to do so until everyone gets it. :)

There are things that used to be important to me that no longer are, and many things still that really should not be. Like retirement funds...not so much anymore. When I am able to quit my job the money the government has asked me to stash away; guess where that is going? You got it; adoption; unless the Lord tells me somewhere else. But my point is....I will not be saving away for my kids college funds, or so each of them can have their own car to drive around and etc...if my "plenty" means I can adopt more, or give more to the Least of These then that is what I am going to do!

We Americans, my self included, tend to make ourselves so comfortable in this life that really how often do we have to rely on God? We prepare for every what if, we save for the what if, we buy insurance for the what if, and on and on....If I am constantly doing this when their are so many without really what am I accomplishing for the Kingdom of God and his Glory? Why do I not trust him for my EVERY need? Why Don't you? What am I doing with the MUCH I have been given?

Some may not like the way I say things or go about things or judge that we ask for help with the crazy high cost of adoption and I usually say it's ok, but It really isn't. Now don't get me wrong I absolutely do not believe everyone is obligated to donate to our next adoption, but I ABSOLUTELY believe EVERYONE is to do something for the orphan, the widow, and the stranger.

So please simply Seek God and ask him what you are to do because our red time is extremely short and I for one am tired of wasting it.

Please don't forget our rummage sale on July 23 if you are in the area. It will be at Kent and I's church from 8-3. We are receiving lots of donated items; which is so exciting! So now the prayers are people will show up and buy... :)

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Our huge rummage sale with the Bailey Family is coming soon! Come help my Mommy and Daddy bring home a brother, sister, or brothers and sisters so we can show them God's love, or else! (OK he really isn't going to do anything, but it was a cute point).,

So Please contact us if you have anything you want to donate, or if you need some great stuff our sale is coming soon!

We will have a silent auction and lots and lots of items on sale from Baby Clothes to Adult, Baby/Toddler Toys, house ware items, decorative items, crystal, Christmas Decorations, exercise equipment, and MORE!

Monday, June 13, 2011

Always Learning and liking to teach and share because it’s that important….

Yesterday we attended our late church service because that is the service the bible school kids were going to participate and sing in, and our sweet EJ was in. **side note** I am so proud of our EJ she sang all the songs and did so well; usually she will not sing in church; she is growing up!

Anyhow we are early church people because Mr. Mo does not do well at all in late service. That’s kind of his sleepy time, even though we stopped giving morning naps, he just cannot be confined to a pew at this time of day.

So my learning point.

Mo has definite trigger points. Hunger or sleepiness and he is a different little boy. He hits and throws fits, and did I mention he hits. So yesterday in church he was hitting me and getting upset and I tried as many distractions as I could until I had to take him out. Left to roam and be distracted from his sleepiness helped.

While I was in church with him I kept thinking oh man I wonder how many people are watching this, and then I just realized it doesn’t matter. They may judge or have opinions, but they don’t realize or know, like I do, where this is coming from, and it’s Ok.

As an adoptive parent I have learned that there is normal 2 year old behavior and then there is behavior related from trauma and trauma that hits as your brain develops.

For instance when Moses hits his sister when she is egging him on or teasing him; normal two year old behavior….when he hits and throws fits over one of his triggers, this is a behavior that has developed from trauma early in life and that is the only way he knows to react. So my job as a parent is to not induce more trauma but help him learn to react differently; which takes time.

With EJ I am starting to realize more of her triggers as well that I didn’t realize when she was younger and am now trying to develop different ways to help her too.

So as much as I might not always like adoption education it really is so beneficial, but also more importantly what I want to pass along, especially to the women, is to TRUST your instincts. Trust what God has instilled in you as a Mom, because more than any education your God given, Holy Spirit driven instincts work the best.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Turn your unused items into a blessed gift for orphans. My Family is jointly holding a Rummage Sale with the Bailey Family, to raise money for the fees associated with bringing the next members of our families “out of Africa.” The sale will be held in my church's Family Center on July 23rd.

We will be collecting gently used items that may be sold to fund the obscene cost of adoption. Please contact me to arrange for pick up of your donated items at least one week prior to the sale.

I will have more details on the sale later...we may be raffling some pretty cute baby quilts and I want even my bloggy friends to be able to buy tickets if you want.

I have been reading so many stories lately of orphans that are suffering so much and it breaks my heart even more. Please pray for all orphans of the world and ask God to show you what you can do to help!

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

I just wanted to drop a quick line. Life has been crazy busy...we are seriously attacking the paperwork phase of this adoption, and with other life happenings I have had zero time. Of course there are a lot of things on my heart, but hopefully I can share very soon. With 2 funerals last week, both very hard and one hit close to home, EJ's last day of preschool, a holiday, and adoption education training...well let's just say the blogs are neglected.

Monday, May 16, 2011

A lot have shared this amazing video already, but I am feeling the need to share it today. I love Third Day, so this song is pretty amazing. You need to watch the video until the end too...pretty important.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

A little update on where we are at. If you notice I have added a timeline on the right to track as we move through the process.

We have been EXTREMELY blessed and have raised and been gifted a huge chunk of the fees we needed to pay with our contract. We did not raise the whole amount before the May 12 deadline, and it ended up being more than initially anticipated, but we took a leap of faith and I am very much at peace with it. So we have a little bit of a loan to pay off soon and then more initial fees that will be coming.

I have updated the chip in to reflect what we need to complete the paperwork phase and then get on the wait list for our baby or babies. This is so exciting and a complete walk of faith here.

As I have mentioned before we are totally fund raising this adoption and we have never done that before. It is quite vulnerable and exciting at the same time. Undoubtedly the glory will be and is all for God and the plan he has for us and our family. Following his lead in this adoption is beyond words and I pray that I don't miss any of what he has in store!

We are cooking up more fundraiser ideas and etc. It all takes time, but we are running through it as quickly as we can.

We still have some beautiful necklaces to sell and I hope to have those sold soon, and ask if you know any one that may like one to let me know.

For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time - to show us his grace through Christ Jesus.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

I am very joyful today y'all. Joyful in the blessings the Lord keeps pouring out and filling the holes in my sometimes doubtful heart.

A few days ago we received a wonderful surprise blessing that just brought me to tears. Not just because of the blessing itself, but because people are getting it. They are getting what we are doing for the orphan, not that this is something we are just selfishly doing for ourselves, but are wanting to be a part of what God calls us all to do. This just warms my heart. I want others to do something, not just for our adoption, but wherever God calls them.

So many of you, friends, give us the encouragement and blessings we need just at the right time. So many of you have blessed us with your gifts, your necklace purchases, and most importantly your prayers to our Father and his plan for the child or children that will be adopted into our home. I just don't even know how to express how much this means, and how grateful we are that you are supporting us and you get what our God commands, and that is to care for the least of these.

Nothing gives me more joy then to bless others who are adopting, or are in missions, or are in need, and to have our future children be on the receiving end of that right now is just so very special.

We still have a long way to go, but big things are coming, and I hope to announce one of them in the next week.

Brother and Sister through adoption not just into our family, but more importantly into God's....unconditional love shown here

** Side note ** We have sold out of our first order of necklaces, but have more coming very soon. Thank you friends who have been selling for us, but most importantly spreading the word about the least of these, and we will have more very soon. Let me know if you would like one; they are absolutely breathtaking pieces of work!

There is a new prayer I have adapted in my life and it is simply this. “Lord, break my heart for what breaks yours.”

We have learned that orphans are easier to ignore before you know their names…before you see their faces. It is easier to pretend they’re not real before you hold them in your arms. But once you do everything changes.Elena Jenyfer, DOB 3/7/07...days old here, and an orphan no more

Lord, break my heart for what breaks yours.

Every 2.2 seconds a child becomes an orphan.

Moses Girum DOB 5/4/2009, 2 months old, an orphan no more.....

Lord, break my heart for what breaks yours.

The Christian’s involvement in orphan care is not optional. We ALL must do something, and not just once so we can say we played our part, but continually. (See James 1:27)

Lord, break my heart for what breaks yours.

It just doesn't matter what career ladders we have climbed, or money we have saved, or gadgets we have owned, or huge homes and churches we have built, or how many sporting events our kids were in or awards we have won, but it will matter what we have done for the least of these.

Lord, Break my heart for what breaks yours.

There are children living in unthinkable, unimaginable places, orphanages that are understaffed, not enough beds,diapers, and food and they are dying. A majority of them dying alone and without love. Without the physical touch that we all desire from the second we are born. My friend, Linny, just recently loved on a 7 month old baby girl who was very sick. Her arm was the size of Linny’s thumb and she died. That is just one out of the millions that are suffering. I so badly want to go and love on them, and hope I can.

Lord, Break my heart for what breaks yours.

I can’t adopt every single 147 million orphans (I would if I could!), and adoption isn’t the only answer. My family is seeking what else we can do beside adopt the ones the Lord calls to our family; are you?

Lord, Break my heart for what breaks yours.

Jesus lived a life of servitude, and died for us who more times than not serve ourselves. I can’t do it anymore, and things are going to change. Besides our next adoption, my family is seeking God’s wisdom on what else we can do. Will you join us? Will you step up and serve the least of these; the heart of our God? I hope so.

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Friday, April 15, 2011

I posted this link quite awhile ago, and I want to re-post it. Sometimes the things screaming in my heart are penned out much better by others than myself. No one can do it quite like Linny.

So when you read this, and I beg you to read it, please not only listen to yourself read it and be touched for the minute, but HEAR it and let it change your now and forever. Lord knows I am trying and I need to try HARDER!

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Many Many things are touching my heart very deeply like never before... I feel a stirring to write about a lot of it, but cannot yet put it to words..that post may need to go on the other blog, but for now I want to share what I just read.

I have been reading in the book of Luke and as I was having just many various thoughts and emotions today I just asked the Lord to show me something with clarity when I read in my bible and this is what I read and it spoke to my heart.

Luke 8: 22-25 "Wind and Wave Obey Jesus"

Now it happened, on a certain day, that He got into a boat with His diciples. And He said to them, "Let us cross over to the other side of the lake." And they launched out.

But as they sailed He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy.

And they came to Him and awoke Him saying, "Master, Master, we are perishing!" Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm.

But he said to them, "Where is your faith?" And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, "Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!"

Where is my faith? Where is your faith?

Just now he whispered to my soul...Where is your faith daughter, do you not believe I can do this?

It is downright scary to actually start listening and doing what God asks us to do...it makes us more vulnerable than we want to be. When we start to be obiedient to what God wants for our lives the world begins to rip it apart and question it, and even we let worldly thoughts begin to break us down...

I have said I am trusting God in this journey, and I am. Although it can be difficult at times; ultimately I am trusting. I cannot believe the peace I feel with this adoption. With our last two it was hurry, hurry, hurry to the next step and at this point I haven't hurried; although a lot of days I want to, but I am waiting, and I am asking the Lord to show me HIS next step.

So as time eats away at this deadline, my faith is in Him and His plan.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

At current we have been approved to adopt with AGCI in their adoption program for Ethiopia. When we applied there was were some savings if we applied in a certain time frame. So our initial application was free, but we have to send our first payment with contracts in by May 12, 2011 or we will have to re-apply and pay $300, plus another fee that is currently being waved of over 1k.

With that being said we currently have $1,475.00 toward our goal of $7,440.00 that will need to be sent in with our contracts before MAY 12. I have not counted the Necklace fundraiser yet because we went out on a limb and ordered extra in the hopes we can sell them all. When that happens we should have around $500 more.

So what does all that mumbo jumbo mean? We still need less than $6,000.00 just in order to send in our contracts and get the paperwork process started. That is a big number to obtain in just a few weeks, but I am trusting God to provide in the way he sees fit.

Please continue to pray for us and if you feel led please feel free to give using the chip in on the side or you can still order a necklace.

I cannot say thank you ENOUGH to those who have committed to be in prayer and who have blessed us with support, but I thank you and pray for you.

Psalm 68:6

God sets the solitary in families; He brings out those who are bound into prosperity; But the rebellious dwell in a dry land.

Friday, April 1, 2011

Oh the heart of grace……This is something I am working on, poorly most times, but I am working on it. I will be honest; I can be one hot headed, stubborn, passionate chic; not going to lie about that. So for me, to try and take that stubborn passion and turn it into God centered grace has been a challenge to say the least.

Obviously, if you have read my blogs at all, you will note that I am extremely passionate about adoption, the orphan, the poor, and the lost, …EXTREMELY and I KNOW in some way shape or form we are all commanded to be passionate about this and continually do something about it; however you are led by God. What I pray is that you are truly seeking God’s plan in your story for the center of his heart, which is the least of these.

I touched on the emotion of our next adoption in this post not that long ago, and now I want to speak of the reaction I struggle with sometimes.

I am completely aware that the human side, the sinful nature side of us all wants to be first in everything we do. I heard not that long ago that you don’t have to teach a child to hit or be mean, it comes naturally, but we have to teach them that is sin and how to deal with it. How true that is! So going with this I am also completely aware that as we become transparent and vulnerable to others we are opening ourselves up to multitudes of judgment, and opinions, but also with that a multitude of Blessings!

With our first adoption, that had been laid on our hearts for years, it was a lot about the self fulfillment of having a family, becoming parents, but with our second and now our third it is more about following God’s will in our family, even when it seems impossible and even when we don’t do it the in the best way possible. So when those who we least expect make it hard or are non supportive or just plain don’t get it; it hurts a little. And every time it is hard not to react with my angry passion and instead go in prayer that God would use us and our adoption to touch, and to teach, and to bring him the glory.

You see I know that Satan will continue to attack us anyway he can along this path, and he will use the things he knows that will hurt us most, and I am telling you right now, as hard as it will be at times, WE ARE NOT GOING TO LET HIM WIN, and WE ARE NOT GOING TO LET HIM DEFEAT US!

We are fund raising, and we are asking, but if you don’t feel led to support us; IT’S OKAY! We are aware of the economy and we are aware of the financial struggles of everyone these days; we are experiencing it to. I told Kent the other day that I just think God is trying to use us and is putting us through this for a reason, and I just want to say that we are ready for the fight to bring the children God has planned for us home.

The things that hurt and the things that we don’t necessarily like or agree with will keep coming, and I will keep seeking God’s hand in it and asking if there is something I can learn, and if not, I am just going to forget it and pray because this is God’s story we are seeking to live out and he has the ultimate say because he is not man, and he is not bound by man’s sin. He can do what man can’t.. always.

So we ask for your prayerful support of our adoption; first and foremost. It truly means the world.

A huge THANKS to those who have ordered necklaces. Every time I felt defeated and vulnerable for asking I was blessed almost immediately with an order! Beautiful and so appreciated. We are looking at ordering extra so if you are a visual person and would like to see one before you agree to buy just let me know! (oh and I won the challenge… :) )

1 Peter 4:12-13 ADear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through... Instead, be very glad-for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering...

Love this song below and felt it appropriate for me here and I hope it blesses you too….

Monday, March 28, 2011

Just this morning I challenged my hubby to a necklace sales war! :) I needed to motivate my salesman of a hubby to sell; of course I have a lead already, but if he is the true salesman I know he is I will need help to win!

So I am now asking everyone again if you will help support, not only our adoption, but Ugandan women feed their families and stay off the streets. I can’t tell you how huge it is for these women to have a trade where they make these beautiful necklaces and can now feed their families, and stop selling their bodies! So important! There is also our adoption of the orphan too that I am asking you to help with. The orphans, the poor, the widowed are the heart of our Lord and he wants us to care for them; period.

So the challenge…it may not sound like a big deal to you, but I get a 15 minute shoulder/back rub people! This is huge stuff in my world, I never get this.. the hubby and I are selfish in this dept. I really do not care to scratch his back so he holds out on the back rubs…so help a working mommy out folks because I really do not want to scratch his back… :) (Disclaimer: this is so irrelative in the actual cause and purpose of selling the necklaces, but is a great motivator for me to become a pushy saleswoman! :) )

Thursday is the last day to order.

Leave a comment to order, or send me an e-mail at carriestamm@gmail.com

Also here are some more pictures of the necklaces that gives you a closer look at their beauty.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Lately, especially with the start of our third adoption, I have had this in my head a lot. It would be so much easier, and so much more accepted by others, if I was exclaiming the news that I am pregnant instead of telling you (excitedly by the way) that we are adopting again.

If I told you I was pregnant maybe you wouldn’t be so quick to tell me that adopting more kids is going to cost more, and be harder to care for. (I am a somewhat responsible adult, and I do actually know this.)

If I told you I was pregnant I wouldn’t be questioned on where we are adopting from, and being asked or told where you think we should adopt from.

If I told you I was pregnant maybe you wouldn’t tell me that I already have two (one of each gender) what do I need more for; I should just take care of the ones I have.

If I told you I was pregnant you would more than likely ask me how the morning sickness is, and as my belly gets bigger how I am doing, but a lot of you wouldn’t ask me how the adoption process is going and how we are handling things, and what happens next.

I don’t tell you this so you feel sorry for me, or to make you feel bad, but I tell you this in order to educate you on some things whether you completely understand them or not. Often in my blogs I have frequently quoted scripture that command all Christians to care for the orphans of the world, so why would you question our desire to do that?

We are adopting and folks it is an exciting, scary thing all wrapped up into the fact it is God’s Will for our family.

We are adopting not just to make a family for ourselves, but because God is commanding us to do so.

We are adopting from Ethiopia because it is God’s will.

We are adopting even though we are fearful. Every one of our adoptions has had a great amount of fear along with the excitement. With our EJ fear the country would stop adoptions before we could bring her home, and fear of the unknown about a child that did not grow in my tummy but my heart. With the adoption of our Mo I had fear of the unknowns in that process and just traveling to Africa! My life is forever changed with both of these experiences. And now with our third adoption that we have only just begun, there is the fear of being able to handle 1 or 2 more children physically, emotionally and financially, fear of raising the money to get this adoption done, fear of changes in the process as we wait for the child or children God has planned for our family.

We are adopting because we are willing to face that fear head on because it is God’s will and he wants us to trust him.

We are adopting because God doesn't promise us easy, but he promises us forever with him, and asks us to trust him completely and give glory to him here on earth.

We are adopting because it is the most joyous thing we have done with our family, and it is true unconditional love we are living out with the children the Lord has blessed us with.

So…..

When a family says they are adopting be supportive. Even if you don’t understand what they are going through, and it is hard to unless you have been through it yourself, give them loving support.

When a family says they are adopting, be EXCITED for them.

When a family says they are adopting, ask them how you can pray, and pray for them.

When a family says they are adopting ask God to show you how you can help them.

When a family says they are adopting ask God what your role is in the lives of the least of these.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

A lovely woman read my post that I linked on Linny's Blog, and left me a comment that she was praying, and then said her word verification to leave the comment was BLESS! She had been praying about whom she should bless with support and God made sure it was loud and clear to her through word verification!

I am just in awe of that...God took the Internet and word verification to make it clear whom he wanted his servant S.A. to bless and she did. In all the comments I leave on blogs I never, ever, remember getting an actual word for the verification, NEVER.

God is so good and continually reminds me that this is our path and he wants us to continue on it. He's got it in his hands!

Friday, March 18, 2011

I have been given special pricing on these necklaces until March 31st and so for $20 you can have one of these beautiful necklaces or give them as a gift (Mother's Day is around the corner...hint hint) and not only will you help our adoption, but you will help these beautiful women support their families in Uganda. Please read more below.

I also want to give a huge shout out to 147 for there beautiful hearts and awesome fundraising opportunities for families like mine. I hope to sell some of their shirts later, we have a lot of them floating around our family, but for now necklaces.

If you would like to order one of these please e-mail me (carriestamm@gmail.com) by March 30, 2011 with how many and we can work out payment then. Thanks so much!

147 Million Orphans is honored to share the story of our sisters in Uganda who hand make these necklaces from recycled paper. They roll the beads by hand, dip them in varnish, and thread them onto the string. Prior to learning how to make these beads, most of the women "picked trash" or turned to prostitution to provide for their children.

By purchasing these necklaces, you help a mother earn make a sustainable income to provide for her family. We are also proud to donate to Amazima Ministries' feeding program from the profits of these necklaces. The feeding program, run by Katie Davis, provides food to children and their families in the same area of Uganda. It is a beautiful, full circle story of the body of Christ.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

I am linking up on Linny's blog and it is one of the reason's why I am posting this sooner rather than later...

When I first heard the news that Ethiopia was contemplating some major changes my heart just sank and I felt like the world ended for a day or so, and then slowly but surely my HOPE starting coming back. I KNOW that God placed Ethiopia on our hearts to adopt from again, and I quit letting the fear of the unknown consume and disappoint me and started to let God have control of this adoption again...because he knows how it's going to work out and how it is going to end and I don't have to worry about that! He is pretty awesome like that.

So this morning before the kiddos woke up I was having my time in the Bible and I read what I had planned to, and then switched over to another book I am reading called Radical, by David Platt. I stopped, I prayed, and the entire time I kept feeling this nudging to open my bible back up and here is what I read:

Philippians 4: 6-7

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Friends I can't tell you how much I needed to be reminded of that, and it just confirmed what my heart has been feeling. We are going to proceed with adopting our treasure(s) from Ethiopia, and I know God is going to provide along the way.

Please keep praying for Ethiopia, families waiting to bring treasures home, families like us starting the process again for the third time and whom are trying to raise the funds, and all the orphans of the world.

God Bless.

If you would like to donate to our adoption please use the chip in on the side.

Happy St. Patricks' Day! We hope this email finds you well and finding rest in God’s peace and plans for your family and your Ethiopia adoption journey! As you know, over the past week AGCI has been working in collaboration with Joint Council, other licensed Adoption Service Providers in Ethiopia and the US Department of State to get clarity on the proposed changes instigated by the Ministry of Women’s Affairs that would have drastically reduced the number of adoptions processed by their office.

We have spent the entirety of this week and last connecting with our own Foreign Staff, participating in caucus calls led by Joint Council and the US Department of State, and independently collaborating with other Adoption Service Providers to get clear and accurate information concerning this matter. Your grace and patience has been so appreciated during this time! What we know as facts are:

MOWA posted a notice indicating as of March 10th they would be reducing the number of adoptions processed through their office to 5 cases a day.

Within days of this announcement, the director of MOWA and several other staff members from the ministry have been terminated.

Today we want to update you on the feedback we received yesterday from our foreign staff in Ethiopia, which was confirmed in a discussion with our adoption colleagues in a Joint Council caucus call later in the day.

At this time, all Foreign Staff on the ground in Ethiopia are reporting that MOWA has completed their staffing changes and are now currently working at full capacity to complete those adoption cases currently re-scheduled or assigned a court appointment through the courts of Addis Ababa. Our staff believe this to be around 800 cases they are working at full force to complete with no restrictions on the number of cases processed each day. This is great news! We are thrilled to hear these drastic changes do not seem to be going into full effect.

We are also pleased to report that for new cases moving forward; it appears the original changes proposed by MOWA will not be implemented to the degree of 5 cases a day. At this time it is unknown whether or not MOWA will issue a formal statement regarding how they will process cases in the future, but from all discussions it will not be a drastic decrease from before. Through the continued work, meetings, and advocacy of many Foreign Staff members in Ethiopia, it appears any future changes within the case processing for MOWA will avoid sweeping and disproportionate alterations to the number of cases processed each day. Rather, the hope is that MOWA, Joint Council, Adoption Service Providers, the US Department of State and other NGO organizations can come together to support the government of Ethiopia in strengthening the process for ethical adoptions to continue while also improving the general social structures to assist with family preservation in Ethiopia. This plan was acknowledged in the recent posting by the US State Department this morning at http://adoption.state.gov/news/ethiopia.html. We understand the US Department of State cannot issue a formal statement without MOWA issuing a retraction. Based on the information we are receiving, MOWA is concentrating on processing the current adoptions and the new staff is not focused on numbers, but doing their jobs.

AGCI and our trusted colleagues look forward to collaborating to ensure adoptions move forward with the highest level of transparency possible. It is our commitment to carefully, ethically, and mindfully complete the adoption process on every level for orphaned children. Our hope is that as we do this in collaboration with other licensed agencies, we can also help to eliminate future concerns by MOWA and continue to build trust between their office and the adoption community at large.

Despite all this talk and discussion about proposed changes, we want to share with you some highlights from just the past two weeks in our program. Even in the midst of all these proposed changes we have seen things move in positive directions:

7 children were referred to their forever families (wait time for a referral for our most recently placed families was approximately 10 months for an infant boy and for an infant girl)

9 families and children were issued their first official court date

3 families and children were approved at a rescheduled court appointment

1 family and child was approved on their first scheduled court appointment

9 families and 10 children were cleared by the US Embassy and invited to travel to Ethiopia to complete their final immigration visa appointment and bring their children.

2 children have returned home with their forever families.

As you can see from above, our attention over the past week and this week has been not only on gathering information on this issue but also on processing adoptions for many of the children at Hannah’s Hope. We will be calling each of you to check in for your monthly updates, paperwork calls, and to connect with those of you who are already referred and in the court process. For those of you in the paperwork process, Julie Salwasser will also be continuing to step in to provide support and answer questions. Thank you for your ongoing patience!

We want to encourage you all and to share that Ethiopia is still an active adoption program! We are so blessed to be looking back at all these wonderful moments and see God’s hand at work in the stories and lives of these children He loves. Thank you for your continued passion and dedication. We look forward to all the wonderful moments yet to come as we continue to serve in Ethiopia! Peace,Kiersten, Brandi & Toni

Friday, March 11, 2011

Below is the latest update sent to us by AGCI. Please also read my post from yesterday,if you haven't already, and take a very important minute to sign the petition. Thanks!

Update: March 10, 2011

A Couple of Things

I want to quickly update you all on the petition. As of right now there are close to 28,000 signatures that have been received! That is over 20,000 more than when we came into work yesterday. Great job everyone--keep up the good work! Also, Kiersten, Brandi and Toni are working to connect with everyone and answer the many questions that are coming in. Thank you for your patience as they return calls and emails. It is their goal to connect with everyone; however, this will take a little time. We do want to share that our primary goal continues to be facilitating all of your adoptions and the great news is that we have had wonderful news to share with some families this week!

This wonderful news of movement has been a fresh reminder that no matter what is going on God is good and children are coming home to their forever families! Below we have posted a note from Tom DiFilipo, the Executive Director of JCICS. I know we have shared many posts the last few days. We do feel that this one is valuable to read and a good reminder of why we are working so hard for these children.

Thank you all! Have a wonderful evening! Also, if you think of it please be praying for the call with the US Department of State tomorrow morning. We will all be participating in this call and therefore unavailable by phone the early start to the day. Thanks for your understanding!

Post from Tom DiFilipo, Executive Director of JCICSMarch 9, 2011Statement on Children and Family Services in Ethiopia

The work of Joint Council on International Children’s Services includes the development and implementation of the highest standards and ethical practices, the support of children living outside of family care and advocacy for permanency. As a leader in the international child welfare community, we are deeply concerned about the well-being of Ethiopian children and the integrity of the intercountry adoption process. Respecting Ethiopian culture and sovereignty, we offer the following for consideration as we collectively serve Ethiopian children and families and partner with others in supporting the efforts of the Government of Ethiopia.

Children need families – Who we are as human beings is largely influenced by our genes and our environment. The attention, affection, responsiveness, consistency, communication and interaction of a family have profound effects on all aspects of human development especially in the earliest stages of life. No institution, regardless of how well organized and funded it may be, can replace the nurturing, safety and guidance of a family.

Birth families need accessible, efficient and well-funded alternatives – Relinquishing a child is a painful decision for any birth parent or extended family member. This is especially true in remote and rural areas where few alternatives exist. If intercountry adoption is to decrease over time, birth families need accessible and reliable social service programs to support them. To date, many adoption service providers and other NGOs, are filling this gap in Ethiopia. Joint Council partner-members are contributing over 16 million per year to family preservation and community development programs that strive to keep vulnerable children and families together. They are assisting 1.2 million vulnerable individuals per year that otherwise would not receive these services.

Institutionalization can hurt children – Quotas and other drastic measures mean that children currently living in orphanages will reside in an institution longer. Sixty years of multinational human development research on institutionalized children, such as the Bucharest Early Intervention Study, indicates that the longer a child is in an orphanage the progressively worse their social, language, fine motor and gross motor skills become. Any change to the intercountry adoption process needs to carefully consider its effects on all children currently in orphanage care and the length of time newly institutionalized children will reside in the orphanage to complete their adoption process.

There are nearly 5 million orphaned children – This is nearly 13 percent of the child population in Ethiopia. These children need a family for love and support so they grow into productive adult members of our global community and retain their inherent human rights. There need to be support services for vulnerable children including adoption. At present, intercountry adoption only serves .001 percent of all orphaned children in Ethiopia. This fraction of a percentage, while rising, is not disproportionate to the number of children in need.

Various manners to combat corruption – Corruption is deplorable in all its forms especially when children’s lives are at stake. There are numerous manners to prevent, discourage, and punish corruption without punishing children, families of birth and adoptive families. A gardener who wants to beautify a landscape does not cut the weeds in his garden by a certain percent. Rather, he mindfully detects the weeds and eliminates them from the root up. A quota, no matter how small, will not eliminate corruption. It simply reduces the quantity of ethical violations that can occur in an environment. In fact corruption, like a weed, can actually grow in a restricted environment if it is allowed to exist.

Children with special needs deserve special consideration – Children with special needs require care and resources that are not easily given in an orphanage setting. According to research conducted by Joint Council, 40% of children adopted from Ethiopia are considered special needs. When contemplating new policies or procedures, children with special needs deserve expedited processes or exemptions whenever possible.

Intercountry adoption is one of many solutions that can successfully assist vulnerable children. Forty years of outcomes research indicates that intercountry adoption is a positive solution for most children. While there are several other programmatic alternatives that can be designed over time, it is one of the few permanent solutions currently available that situates children in the optimal environment to reach their full potential as human beings – a family.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

As you all know there is some talk and possible changes that are to take place in Ethiopia for adoptions. This change, if it goes in affect, is drastic and will most likely cause adoptions to take YEARS. This is not good for the orphaned children in Ethiopia. There are already more than 5 million orphans in Ethiopia, and this would be detrimental to them.

That being said, if you haven't already, PLEASE take 1 minute to sign this petition today by clicking HERE. This is very important. At current there are around 23,800 signatures. To make a big impact JCIS needs about 250k. So please sign today!

Now some of you may be wondering what this means for us and our next adoption and I am going to tell you I don't know.

What I do know is this; God is clearly telling Kent and I that we are to grow our family again through adoption; CLEARLY. God has also placed Ethiopia heavily on our hearts. My hope is that Ethiopia does not make these changes and we can proceed because my heart is there.

What if the changes happen? We will be adopting, if it is not Ethiopia then we will be in prayer about where. If our next adoption is not in Ethiopia we will still be doing something there. I am 100% sure about this.

My husband and I have long talked about a non-profit organization and we are in the beginning stages of creating that. So as things take shape and we see what is going to happen in this country we will be doing big things there and in hopefully in Guatemala. I can't tell you for sure what exactly that will be at this point, but it will be.

So if you have read this all please stick with me a little bit yet. We ask for prayer for Ethiopia and their adoption system, we ask for prayer for our next adoption, and we ask for prayer as we figure out what our non profit will be doing where, and when.

And Lastly.....

THE CONTEST

1. I am so sorry for keeping you all in limbo on the contest as well. All the things happening with Ethiopia right now has consumed my heart. I will tell you that I will be drawing winners hopefully soon. I am SO sorry to make you wait.

2. I will also tell you that my husband does know of my surprise and he was very appreciative. Some day I will get him to write on here about his heart for adoption and the orphan.

3. So far we have raised $900.00!!!!! Yeah God, and thank you so much to all who have donated so far and are praying for us. It means the world!

4. I am not smart enough to know how to update the old chip in I was using so I have created a new one that reflects the $900 given and also a little reduction in the initial fees I thought we would owe. So that will stay up there and praying we are going to Ethiopia again; if not I will let you know where else God intended.

Monday, March 7, 2011

Okay so I am extending the surprise a day or so yet because I didn't consider how busy we were going to be when I set the deadline. EJ turns 4 today, and her party was yesterday, and some other appointments and things we have makes it a busy beginning of the week...it may be Wed. before I can update everything.

I have received a few donations other than on the chip in and may be getting one more so I am excited. The Lord is good and I know that his hand is in this.

God Bless and thanks to all who have not only provided financially, but committed to prayer for us as well. It means the world!

P.S. I do need to tell the hubby soon because he keeps wondering how all these people know we are adopting again... He He

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

This song by Steven Curtis Chapman came on this morning while I was driving to work, and boy did it hit me today! I had it cranked and there was quite the concert going on in my van today! This song is touching for so many reasons. The Chapman's are a beautiful family who has adopted and lost their youngest, and they are a true example of living out beauty from ashes. Take the time to listen to this if you can.

Also, 6 more days to try and pull off a surprise to my hubby. It's a little difficult since I cannot post it on my own blog right now, but we are at 1% and that is pretty exciting. Thank you all for your prayers, and please prayerfully consider supporting us. God Bless!

Friday, February 18, 2011

We are so excited about this and know it is God's will for our family.

This will be my husband and I's 3rd adoption and with every adoption God streches me more and more in a good way, but a scary way!

With that being said, I want you all to know that I am working on taking God out of the "box" I tend to put him in, completely trusting him, and doing what he is commanding my family to do.

The inspiration for this blog that will document our next adoption can be found here. I actually posted this link on our family blog not that long ago and it helped inspire what I am asking for help with. So if you need to be convinced on how important our adoption and any adoption is please go here and listen.

1. I am humbly coming before you to ask for help to fund the first chunk of our adoption that we will need to get started. This is scary for me to put out there but, I know our God is bigger than my fears and he will provide.

2. I would like this to be a surprise for my husband Kent. With our past 2 adoptions his pride has not wanted to ask for help with the funds and I want to bless him with all of you and how you reach out and support those around you not just with dollars, but with true prayer and support.

So WILL YOU HELP ME WITH THIS SURPRISE?

To get the ball rolling I am giving away gift cards to a very wonderful organization called Tom's shoes. With every purchase of shoes Tom's give a pair of shoes to a needy child. This is huge folks. You can read more about thier organization here.

HERE IS HOW THE GIVE A WAY WILL WORK

I am giving away 2 Gift Cards to Tom's Shoes.

Gift Card # 1 in the amount of $25 will be drawn and given to all those who have posted about our adoption and linked to our blog on their blog or through e-mail to friends and family. (Unfortunately I can't do facebook because if you are friends with my hubby he will see!)

Gift Card # 2 in the amount of $50 will be drawn and given to those who post this on their blog and/or e-mail it out and donate to our adoption.

HERE IS HOW TO ENTER

1. Leave a comment on this post stating you have posted this on your blog and/or e-mailed about this to friends for Gift Card #1.

2. Leave a comment on this post stating you have posted this on your blog and/or e-mailed this to friends and made a donation using the chip in meter on the side and you will be entered for Gift Card # 2. Or if you do not want to use the chip in please e-mail me at carriestamm@gmail.com.

Easy Peasy Folks!

I will start this on Tuesday February 22nd and end it on Sunday, March 6, 2011. The hubby's B-day is on March 14th so I would love to surprise him with the whole amount we need to get the ball rolling for our next adoption.

What is that amount you say? It is $16,335.00! I know huge money, but it is huge also because we feel God is possibly calling us to adopt not just one baby, but twins!